Planning to buy or sell this Spring? Now is the time to begin your preparations!

Buyers-

First things first. Call a lender! Find out what your able to qualify for, or if you need to improve your debt/income ratio in order to qualify for the amount you want. There are also many loan programs that may allow you more flexibility with your purchase. Your lender can help with this. If you need a referral, I have several great lenders ready to help!

Take a drive and visit open houses. Once you start your preliminary search, reach out to me for some of the best areas to start looking. There may be some you haven’t even considered that could be perfect. Austin is growing so fast, and areas once thought to be “too far” or “in the hood” have now become some of the best new areas in our city!

Know the buying time frame. Normally you will need about 2-4 weeks to search for a home, and once under contract, the closing will happen about 30-45 days later. For example, if your anticipated move date is end of June, best to begin searching mid-April. It is hard to see buyers find a home that they love but they can’t close for three months and the sellers want a standard 30-45 day close. If looking at new construction however, the time frame can be anywhere from three months (if partially built) to ten months.

Sellers-

Find out what your home is worth. It’s never too early to get a real estate market analysis. I can visit your property and let you know what I believe your home is worth “as-is” or with some improvements. If improvements are needed, allow plenty of time since our Austin contractors stay busy these days! It is completely free to have my visit and provide a complementary market analysis.

Know the competition. Visit open houses in your area. See what kind of condition they are in, and how quickly they are selling.

Make repairs. It is best to make any repairs in advance. It WILL show up on an inspection report if it’s defective, so best to deal with items (especially the easy, inexpensive ones) in advance. Also, if you know about a defect in your home, it must be disclosed up front to buyers, so no hiding what you know! Disclose! Disclose! Disclose!

De-clutter. It’s Spring soon, so time for that big Spring cleaning! Some people even lease a storage unit and move some of their larger items out during the staging process. We like to have a clean and open feel that is as neutral as possible. You want buyers to see themselves living in your home, not you.

Most important of all…call me! I am a resource for you. I have an extensive referral list, and have lot’s of great advice to help you prep, and make your buying or selling experience as stress-free as possible! I look forward to hearing from you!

In my many years of selling real estate in Austin, I have noticed a distinct trend. Investment worthy homes or duplexes in areas of Austin that are normally “hot” in the Spring/Summer months, tend to slow during the Fall/Winter months. This means that those “affordable” $250k-$350k investment properties may actually stay on the market longer than the average 3-5 days! This gives the savvy buyer (with a good Realtor) the needed time to really investigate the rental possibilities, and also negotiate the price on the property without the pressure of multiple offers. I have found the best months are Nov. and Dec. There isn’t as much inventory, but if able to buy an investment property at this time, it allows the buyer a bit more leverage. Investment properties can still be found in Austin! If looking for yours, get in touch and I’m happy to help!

This beautiful condo in the heart of Austin’s SoLa district is just waiting for a buyer who enjoys being in the heart of the action, but loves to have a place to “escape”. A multi-level condo with lots of light and wood floors throughout. The main living area is open and bright with sweeping views of downtown Austin! The home features 2 beds/3 baths plus a large loft area. It also has an attached two car garage. The Google fiber service is the icing on the cake! Listed at $485,000 the price can’t be beat! Call or text Nancy at 512-964-3893 to set up your showing appointment asap! #austin #realestate #austinhomes #homesforsale #modernaustinhome

If you are like me, you are feeling mixed emotions about the impending end of this election, and the selection of our new President. On one hand, I really can’t wait for it to be over. I mean, all the mud-slinging and nasty comments on social media have really gotten old. On the other hand, the fear of what sentiment the new choice of President may bring, is making me want election day to never come. I don’t mean this because I’m really so afraid of what the next President may do, we have a government full of check and balances for that, but I’m more afraid of how the supporters of the loser may act out. Many are threatening to pack their bags and “get the heck out”.

On a positive note, this could mean that Austin’s recent influx of people moving into the city, may decide to relocate (as promised) to Canada, or some other far away land. What does that mean for me? More business! What could that mean for buyers? More inventory!

No matter which way this election goes, I just keep in mind that I live in the BEST city, in the BEST country, in the entire world! For those who have been putting off buying a home in Austin, maybe this election will make it easier after all!

The City of Austin has a redevelopment plan for the south waterfront area near downtown. The plan includes new parks, walkways, new gathering spaces, and housing (including 20% affordable housing). The area starts near 1st Street and extends east down Riverside Dr. For more info check out the website, and plan to attend the upcoming event http://www.austintexas.gov/event/south-waterfront-open-house

With the onset of warm weather and blue skies, we all seem to get that urge for change. Whether it be Spring cleaning, purging of the old, making plans for the summer, or a change of scenery.

There is no doubt that the best time to make a change to your address is also in the Spring. The warm weather, and the upcoming end of the school year encourages sellers to list their homes, which also brings out the buyers (who may have taken the winter off to hibernate) in droves.

I am often asked if the Austin market has slowed down any, and my answer is a resounding, “not yet!” I expect we will see much of the same this season, which can be a challenge for buyers, but great for sellers. Luckily, over the past 2-3 years in this crazy market, I have learned how to best assist buyers in this crazy, mainly seller’s market. It can be done!

Whether you’re ready to make your move, on the fence, or maybe just want to see what your current home is worth, please give me a call to discuss your real estate needs. It doesn’t have to be a scary as you think. We can make the process a great experience if we work together!

Feel free to email me at nlabarb@sbcglobal.net or call me at 512-964-3893. I hope to hear from you!

I know it seems impossible to find affordable new homes these days, but I happen to have a gem of a neighborhood that is still a very well kept secret! Brand new, single family homes, with a unique modern style. No need to upgrade these, as the builder has included amazing standard features at the base price. Many have two car garages also! PLUS, these homes are located on the east side of Austin where all the “cool stuff” is happening! Interested in more info? Give me a call at 512-964-3893 or shoot me an email nlabarb@sbcglobal for more info, and to set up an appointment to view the model home.

Westlake is a desirable area located west of downtown Austin. Besides having great schools, the area surrounds Lake Austin and is known for it’s hills and views.

Single family homes in Westlake range from $500k to well over $10 million. If you are considering a move to the Westlake area, I am a Weslake real estate specialist and am happy to discuss your needs and wants. I also offer free relocation packets full of very helpful information on Westlake and the entire Austin area.

We all have that vision in our heads of our perfect home. We see photos on Pinterest or Houzz and think…one day, that is what I’ll have in my own home. The truth is, the only way to really find the home that is perfect for you is to create it. The important thing to keep in mind is you can’t change the location. That is the best place to start.

What areas of Austin would fit your lifestyle best? Do you want to be able to walk to shopping? Do you often enjoy downtown events? Or, do you prefer the quiet of the country, or a more suburban lifestyle? A good Realtor will have this discussion with you long before the time comes to start looking at homes. Know what is most important to you.

From this point, you look at your other options. New construction, or a resale home that can be renovated or updated to fit your style? Price, availability, and location will be a determining factor here.

Here is a perfect example of my clients knowing where they wanted to live and having a vision for their dream home.

We searched for the best “palette” to start with, and after a process of construction and decorating that lasted about two years, they had the home they had dreamed of in the Westlake area of Austin.

It is always wonderful to find a home for my clients that they love, and will bring them joy! I pride myself on really listening to their description of their lifestyle, and future dream home, and taking what I learn to guide them in the right direction.

If you are considering a search to find and buy your dream home in Austin, let’s chat! I’d love to use my expertise to help. Visit my website at http://www.LifeIsGoodInAustin.com for contact info. or call me at 512-964-3893.